Sit-n-Chat

May Wedding

2011-05-22T23:45:00.002-05:00

Last November we began to hear about Tyler Shaw from Arkansas and now he is our son in law. Bree and Tyler met in class at UT Southwestern where He is is in the Physician Assistant program and she, the Physical Therapist. They married May 7th in Haskell at the First United Methodist Church where Brian was music minister when Bree was born. Brian walked her down the aisle, gave her away while Casey presided, and then performed the ceremony. Bree and Tyler had prepared the words they wanted to use in vowing their love and lives to one another.
Friends and relatives honored them with a shower April 10th at the Bevers House and then in Greenwood, Arkansas May 14th. May 21st, Tyler's parents held a reception in Dallas, mainly for the classmates and friends who couldn't come to Haskell. We do not have the photos from the photographer yet but have some taken my ameatures. I have posted these in a Picasa album and will add the professional ones when I get them.
Tyler's 4th semester began on May 16th and Bree's begins tomorrow, the 23rd. They will graduate December, 2012. They are giddy and giggly. Each of their families is blessed to see them so happy.

October 2010

2010-10-31T18:50:00.003-05:00

I am enjoying life but seldom sit down to blog. I doubt that anyone visits here and I doubt that my future will include much time "recording" thoughts or activities on this computer screen.
The essentials do not change. They aren't new and there are lots of very capable people communicating them to whoever will listen. Blogging is one means of expressing the essentials. I hope people searching through blogs will discover those with information that is more than interesting or entertaining because there are those that share what is vital to life.
Unbelievable, tomorrow is the first day of November. I may have Christmas decorations on the shelves and in the windows in just a couple of weeks. I find it much more enjoyable to get them out of the boxes and arrange them slowly, over a couple of weeks, rather than frantically unwrapping and depositing them on a weekend. I savor the memories of past moments each one stirs as I pull the tissue paper away and spy an object that has been a silent observer of our Christmas celebrations over the past twenty to thirty years. Or perhaps the treasure I found just last January when the 75% Off Sale tempted me and I succumbed. The holiday can be so busy and demanding that our energy is pulled from us against our will as we try to keep up. I don't want Christmas to be like that. I plan to enjoy.
We went to our first costume party last week and I have posted a few pictures. I hope you can tell what I was...
A special treat , my mother's brother, wife and part of the family came for a visit last week also. We visited Friday night and Saturday at our house. We had a great time. Pictures of these days are also posted. When I was growing up, my folks took my sister and me to visit Uncle Leo, Aunt Fran, Linda, Dianna, and Michelle several times a year. These are wonderful memories. There are miles between us now and we don't see each other often. We should change that! I read recently that we are made to live inside, not alongside each other's stories. I think this is surely true for families.
I hope you have a blessed November and December. I hope what I call the essentials are obvious to you. I hope you are warmly acquainted.
Our recent activities are posted at the Picas Web site - just click on that icon.

April 27, 2010

2010-04-27T21:18:00.002-05:00

Brian finished the first chicken tractor so they are out of my house!! It was a beautiful day. Tonight we grilled burgers and at in the sunshine with my folks. As soon as that sun fell behind the tall trees, it was cool. Daddy finished shelling the pecans in the afternoon. I took some pictures of the prolific roses.

Chicks Are Growing

2010-04-20T11:06:00.002-05:00

16 chicks are growing - in my den, in a large cardboard box. I have to give them a new layer of flooring every 2 hours. I roll it all up and discard every morning. They are really growing. These pictures were taken the first day and they're heavier now. We have a very busy week with Brian either singing or speaking at different functions and then Team Impact will be in Aspermont for a county wide three day "revival." So, may not have them outdoors till the end of the week. They are fine but would probably enjoy being outside.
I hope you are having a wonderful April. God is so good. His grace is continual, His mercies new every morning. How exciting and comforting to be able to wake up every morning, sit down to read His words for us that day. The world is teetering but He is sure. He is pure. He is our Father and He loves us. Praises unto Him.

Husband

2010-04-16T22:35:00.001-05:00

Very short post:
I've got the best husband in the world.
Just the way he is....

A Beautiful Day

2010-04-15T22:15:00.002-05:00

It was a perfect day for outside work. I made it through several flower beds on the N side of the house but have lots more work. Brian progressed well on a small, moveable chicken house. He looked on-line but came up with his own version. It can house 8 chickens, has 3 nesting boxes, two roosting bars, and a screened in run. We can move it across the yard allowing it to stay on one patch of grass for a day or two and then move it a little further along. I'd been talking about getting chickens. When Daddy heard me, he got excited about it so Brian got busy. I snapped a few pictures of Brian, the yard, my mom as she enjoyed a can of peanuts and my dad as he cracked and shelled pecans at their back door.

Notice the stylish jeans in this one...

Happy Spring

2010-03-23T00:14:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful day!
I did, however, have to travel to Abilene and sit for a bit in a dental chair and now my right 1st bicuspid is in a little box in my purse. Why would a tooth just crack in half, right down the middle?? It has been hurting for a year but last week much more intensely. I felt like some meat was hanging between two teeth and tried to use my fingernail to remove it but discovered my tooth was thoroughly cracked. I have had very little dental work, only 2 cavities just last year. After Casey was born, my OBGYN, Dr. Dillard, told me that if he had to judge the most painful delivery he had seen, none would have been more painful than the delivery of Casey. I am not a wimp. But dental work scares me silly. The nurse had said on the phone that should the tooth need to be extracted, he might suggest I go to an oral surgeon who would sedate me. That sounded fine to me. But, he didn't skip a beat and after he poked my tooth and saw it was cracked to the root, he immediately began rubbing on the topical anesthetic. "What are you doing? I garbled. He never removed the tools from my mouth and explained that the tooth had to come out. I was able to convey that I was a little surprised because I understood he might send me to the surgeon. But, he was sure that while I would feel pressure, it wouldn't be painful. After 2 shots and a few minutes, it was out and though it hurts a little now, there was no pain. I will spare you any pictures.
Before we went to Abilene, I decorated the tales at Cornerstone for the ladies' meal. I used small limbs from our ornamental plum tree and small bird nests I purchased at the after Christmas sale. They had been tree ornaments. I am sharing them as a Happy Spring Greeting.

Fresh Commitment

2010-03-11T14:24:00.002-06:00

If you have know me very long, you've seen me on a diet. But not in the past few years. I think I did start a diet a couple of years ago but its life was very, very short. Recently, Brian and I both committed to losing weight and exercising. We enjoyed a few days of walking at the park while the weather was nice and then just a couple of days on the treadmill inside before each of us had the sore throat and cough. We've lost only a few pounds each and we can't exercise yet due to congestion but we are excited about getting healthier. I am posting here just to give me more reasons to refrain if tempted with unhealthful food but don't plan to post boring updates until we have reached our goals. It is a beautiful day and a good, sweaty walk would feel so good. I pray we will soon be snot free enough to get out in our tennis shoes and shorts. We each want to lost at least 25 pounds. And, everyone remember to join the rest of the country in turning the hand of the clock forward this weekend.

A Date

2010-03-11T14:05:00.004-06:00

Three very good friend couples and Brian and I have been having a Valentine date for around ten years. We have served each other in our homes, which we decorated to enhance a romantic atmosphere. One year, Wayne and Yuve had a cellist perform while we had dinner. More recently we have gone to a restaurant. This year, we had a wonderful meal at the Beehive in Abilene. Prime rib, swordfish, chopped sirloin, shrimp- all delicious. We couldn't find a night available to all of us till March 9th but it was still Valentine-ey. We each have a child 28 years old and they were raised together from the nursery through Texas A&M. They remain close friends as do their parents. We hope for many more such dinners and plan to have another one as soon as we all have an open night just for fun, no special day. Here is a picture of the group.

Valentine Day 2010

2010-02-14T21:50:00.003-06:00

It has been a wonderful day to celebrate. Gathering with our church family in Peacock to worship and study God's Word is a blessing every Sunday. The addition of roses, candy, and pretty verses made the day more special. We have been married for nearly thirty seven years and I think I've had a Valentine for Brian every February 14th including one homemade one. I stand in the aisle, reading all the Valentines, trying to find one that expresses what I want Brian to know. I've found a couple that were very nice but never "just right". I try to add words that tell him how much I love and appreciate him but never feel like they are sufficient. I usually bake a heart shaped cake with red hots on top and I worked this afternoon on two Italian cream heart shaped cakes, one for my folks and one for Brian. I also ordered something a little different, M&Ms with our picture on them. (They are too expensive to eat though.)
How blessed we are to have found each other when we were so young and to have learned together what is and what isn't love. I am more thankful than I can express for my husband and the life God gives us.
Here are my roses
.
Here is Brian with the cake.

And here are some of the M&Ms.

Hope you've enjoyed the day of worship and Valentines.

January 25

2010-01-27T11:43:00.002-06:00

I hope you can connect to an interesting article regarding Tim Tebow and the Superbowl at this link - The Loft.

January 26

2010-01-26T23:16:00.003-06:00

I am a terrible blogger. Very inconsistent.
I have had a very good January. Brian has had no studying for classes and I've had no parties to clean house for. We've been finishing some work on our bathroom that we started in '06! We have a tub that is tall and also sits on a platform. We did have steps in front of the tub but we took them out 4 years ago. It actually made it easier to get into the tub. We also removed the carpet in the room and installed new flooring but we had left the carpet around the edge of the tub, though the tiles have been sitting in a box beside the tub, just waiting for us to return to the project. Brian has nearly finished the tile and I have painted the ceiling and walls after removing wall paper. I will post pictures after it's completed.
Do you remember all those Lab puppies born at my sister's home? Well, this a picture of the only one they kept, Tank. He is not the typical Lab. He does not move unless it is absolutely necessary. A very lazy dog. Today, Kim brought him to my folks' apartment and she wheeled my mom, holding Tank, down to my house.
And here is a picture of the second puzzle. I enjoyed this puzzle because after looking at it so much, I felt like I was a frequent visitor to this store. And it appears to be a happy place to visit. I probably won't have time to work on any more puzzles until next Christmas.
And the last picture is of our Lions Club participating in the Good Fellows Program December 23rd. We boxed food that was donated to help folks out at Christmas time.
These are a few of my activities the last few weeks.
We are blessed. God continues to generously distribute His grace in our lives. Observing the events of our day, we are not bystanders. We aren't in Washington DC, Haiti, or in the cities our children and many friends live. And we certainly wouldn't be recognized by the people who are making the decisions in our country. But we are bringing our praise and petitions to the King. THE King. The only one who is in control. The only one who is good. And He loves us. He hears our prayers. We aren't just observing. We are active in realms we can't even see.
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him." 2 Chron. 16:9 Isn't it amazing to think that the Lord, the all powerful creator of all that exists, is searching, running, looking for someone He can bless! I want to stay clean before Him, to be found pleasing by His eyes. I want to pray for our country, for my children, for my friends, and to feel God's pleasure in answering my prayers because they line up with His Word and His plans. He is so good. We are blessed today. I know this is just rambling. i am just thinking on "paper." Hope His eyes are on you and that He is jumping up and down, calling the Saints over to take a look at this child who is calling out to and depending on Jehova God.

January 7, 2010

2010-01-08T01:02:00.008-06:00

I had to be in Lubbock today for a Dr appointment or I wouldn't have left my warm house. Brian went along and we had a nice day. We shopped very little before the brief time with the rheumatologist and then the long drive home. It is less than three hours but it's one of those long Texas drives. I was so glad Brian could go.
It feels like we are on vacation. He has no assignments pressing in on him and we don't have to be at the office every day. We are enjoying these days while we have them. After we ate chile, Brian sat down at the puzzle table. Bree started doing puzzles during the Christmas holidays a few years ago so we opened a new 1000 piece puzzle before she left. I've spent the most time on it but Brian has enjoyed it also. It was easy at first but more difficult after we finished the colorful pieces. When he sat down, I stirred together some cinnamon rolls using rapid rise yeast. We worked while they rose. They smelled sooo good in the oven. After icing them, letting them cool slightly, I ate 2 and a half!! Brian was enthralled in the puzzle and didn't even eat as much as his wife. I am sure he'll make up for it in the morning.
What a pleasurable evening. Relaxing. Cozy. We are very thankful. We read Psalms on the way to Lubbock. Don't you just love the intimacy of the Psalms? An intimate day and evening. That's what I'd say.

RECIPE FOR THE CINNAMON ROLLS:
Heat 2 C of water to 105- 110 degrees. dissolve 2 pkgs of yeast in the water. Add 1 Cup sugar and 2 t salt. Stir. Add 3 cups of flour as you are mixing it all together. Then add 1 egg and 1/4 cup of Crisco and mix. Add 3 more cups of flour as you stir. MY mixer won't do the job here and I stir. It takes up to 1 more cup of flour - just work with it and when you can knead it, it's good. If you used the Rapid Rise yeast, you can shape dinner rolls. To make cinnamon rolls, half it and roll each out flat and long - about 1/2 inch thick. I pour sugar and cinnamon and chunks of butter on it, roll length- wise, slice about 1 inch sections, and let this rise till doubled - nearly an hour I think. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes.
If you used regular yeast, you can let it rise once, punch it down, and then shape as desired to bake. You can also let it rise once in the frig, take it out and shape it, and then bake. I know people who want it for later and do the frig - but I haven't had good luck that way. Add the kind of icing you prefer. Sometimes I use cream cheese icing but this time it was just the milk/butter/powdered sugar.

The puzzle, called The Kiss, can be ordered on-line here -- Bits and Pieces.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T23:44:00.004-06:00

What a blessed time we've had this Christmas. The snow delayed the arrival of all my children but they made it safely home. R's flight was rescheduled for Christmas Day and C didn't drive in til Christmas morning. B was on the road at least 8 hours Thursday. But they all have until Wednesday so we're sooo enjoying these days. We've had wonderful food, enjoyed some games, visited with other family, worshipped together, watched movies, heard about R's trip to China, and have plans to see Aubrey play basketball, see Casey video Granddaddy recounting his War experiences, maybe seeing a movie in Abilene, and visiting with each other more before all return to their work and lives away from our home. God is so good to us all. His love is overwhelming.
Wasn't the snow beautiful? I heard one weatherman say this was the fist time he announced a blizzard warning. B said that a blizzard was when you had to tie yourself around the waist with a rope in order to walk to the barn to feed the animals or to force them to run around the lot during the night to prevent them from freezing to death. ...at least according to Little House On The Prairie. I don't know about that, but it was cold and the snow was blowing.
The snow did reduce the number of the extended family at our annual Christmas Tree but some of us did gather and visit.
I may very well live in this house the rest of my life. Then again, I may not. We have loved living here. We did most of the remodeling ourselves and there are probably pieces of Brian's skin hanging in the walls of this house. It was hard but rewarding. We learned a lot in the process. The thought of a possible move intensified the pleasure of being together again with our children who grew up in this house. I decided to get out all my Christmas decorations and I never enjoyed a holiday more than this one. So, I took lots of pictures. These may interest no one else but I wanted to have a record of this happy home and this happy time. It is also a safety precaution t keep pictures on a site such as Picasa. You may view some pictures of our extended family celebration as well as my own family activities at the Picasa Web Album site. I pray that your days are joyful. I pray that we all will draw near to our Saviour this new year. He is able. These difficult times are no surprise to Him and He will meet all needs. Our greatest need is to experience and share His love with a hurting world. God bless you with His purpose in 2010. Love, Jennifer.

December 9th

2009-12-09T22:48:00.003-06:00

This is a December that will be remembered for many reasons. While it has already been festive, the house is decorated for celebrating, and candles named "Home For Christmas" or "Heart at Home" fill the air with rich fragrance, there is also a tinge of sadness lingering. I've been packing my folk's belongings, readying them to be moved into one of our apartments next door. I've gone through drawers that contain momentos from my childhood, a box holding my dad's WWII "dog" tags, special dishes my Grandmother had, baby dresses my mother made for her two very loved girls, and many other objects evoking visions of my wonderful life with my parents. I am so blessed to still have them. Daddy is nearly 86 and Mama is 84. He is nearly totally deaf and seems to be getting more feeble. She is legally blind and crippled from a broken hip. They want to help with the packing but can't. They sit and watch as we disassemble their home. Once as I was in the other room, I heard my mother beginning to sob. Daddy slowly stood up from his chair, bent down to hug her and said, "Everything will be alright." They were active for so long, slowed some when each had a leg broken in a car wreck about 9 years ago. But they've been most independent. And they've been devoted parents and grandparents to my sister and myself and our families. It is an emotional time, probably the most challenging season of their lives.
Looking ahead, I believe it will be a good move. I will be just out the door and down a sidewalk. We will have an intercom or some system for communicating easily. I look forward to having meals with them and having them come down to watch a movie or visit. It's not as though they've been a great distance from me but this will be very close. I pray that the days we have will be very happy with laugher and good times together. They have given us so much love and I am thankful we are able to make this time as enjoyable and happy as it can be.
When we get their things moved into their apartment, I will post pictures.

Thanksgiving '09

2009-11-29T22:54:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful time during Thanksgiving weekend. Casey and Bree arrived on Wed evening and it was so goooood for them to be home. We missed Ryan who had a birthday during these holidays. We called and heard about his holiday and all that has been going on with him but wish he had been home. On Thanksgiving Day, Kim's family and my folks came over for lunch. WE all cooked too much and consumed too much. Brian's nephew and wife came from Dallas to visit that evening after her family get together in Abilene. They married in '07 and he has been in Iraq for a year so we were all so thankful to have them with us.
After lunch, some had naps and some watched football. Cash persuaded the "guys" yo play Legos with him.
How blessed we are. No one in the history of the world has as much to be grateful for as we. Just think how few have been in the position we find ourselves today. Most of the people who have lived would never have conceived of the conveniences or freedoms we enjoy. God has been so good to us. And we should be preserving these blessings for our children and grandchildren. Lord, open our eyes to the dangers and to the responsibilities and grant that we receive wisdom and courage for action from You.
Here are a few pictures from the album at the Picasa site.

More Puppy Pictures

2009-11-09T23:15:00.001-06:00

Pie Season

2009-11-08T19:10:00.002-06:00

Hooray! It is definitely the season for pies. Tomorrow is the second Monday of the month which means it is my turn to cook and help with the Cornerstone & Company meal. So, I made a pumpkin and 2 1/2 chocolate pies. The half is the one in the bread pyrex which will be halfed between my folks and my spouse and myself, provided he gets home pretty soon. I enjoy cooking for Thanksgiving and am excited that we'll have nephews and families, along with two of my offspring, with us for Thanksgiving. One will be working, as well as celebrating his birthday during the Thanksgiving week and we will miss him. I think it's a good idea to practice cooking so, pies it is!

Puppies Are Growing...

2009-11-05T22:06:00.002-06:00

As you can see, the labs and the terriers are growing. Thirteen of the sixteen labs have survived and all five terriers. You better call Kim to put your order in before they are all gone. haha

Pretty Roses

2009-11-01T17:07:00.002-06:00

Brian has kept a blue vase on my cabinet filled with beautiful pink rose these last three weeks. They've been extra pretty lately.
When he brings them in, they're just a small bud but in a few days they've opened wide.

2009-10-25T23:04:00.002-05:00

Brian and I enjoyed spending time with his sister, Linda, and brother, Jonathan, and families Saturday in Dallas. Linda and Elias are with the Southern Baptists and live in London so we don't get to see them often. Casey spent the first semester of his freshman year with them when they lived on the island of Cypress. And Bree lived with them in London after she graduated from A&M and wanted to travel before working for ADM.
Their sons now live in Dallas so our Casey and Bree get to socialize with these cousins. Nathan (same age as Casey) works for Southwest Airlines and I don't know the title but he is a computer person. He is dating Lauren. Michael (same age as Bree) is a mechanical engineer and married another Lauren in the summer of '07. He recently returned from a year in Iraq. Brian's brother and his wife, Jonathan and Robin, live in Ballinger where Jonathan teaches school and Robin is the Runnels County Tax Accessor Collector. Their new granddaughter, Harlee, entertained us all. She is only 4 months old so she didn't have to try very hard to get lots of attention. She is beautiful. Her mother, Samantha, is a coach and teacher in Hermleigh. We missed Ryan who arrived back in the good ole USA that afternoon and Zach, son of Jonathan andRobin, who had previous social plans. We visited and enjoyed dinner together. Brian attended a weekend conference at Southwestern Seminary and joined us later on Saturday evening. I
posted pictures in the Picasa Album.

My Sister and New Pups

2009-10-20T23:51:00.002-05:00

My sister, Kim's place seems to be the spot to dump your unwanted dogs. At least, that is where lots of dogs seems to be found. Presently, they have Sadie, a yellow lab, Jake and Little Dog who are close to rat terriers, and Zip, a rat terrier who is 14 years old. (Zip recently underwent surgery for a huuuuuuge tumor on her side. She is much happier.) For a while, there was a male yellow lab, named Mojo. In their new home, Sadie and Mojo united in marriage as well as Little Dog and Jake, even though Kim used fences and walls and reasoning conversations to try to prevent these weddings. Of course, the baby carriage came next. They will need a 20 seated one. October 19th, Sadie gave birth to 15 yellow labs. October 20th, many hours later, she surprised them with #16. All but one survived. This happy event followed the birth of 5 new rat terriers to the other happy couple. The labs have their own little rock house and the terriers have a section of the yard and a "hut" house. I am having to buy more storage space at Picasa and will upload more pictures of the babies, but here are a couple.

Cash, Kim, Loyd, Floe, Fluff, Floyd, Dena, Lola, Dempsey, Leader, Zena, Sash, Rascal,Smiley, Big 'un,
This was taken on Tuesday before hte next morning's discovery of #16,whose name is Miracle

Cris with the terrier runt

Good Day

2009-10-14T20:56:00.003-05:00

Hi, Hope you are having a very good October. Today, Bree and her friend, Ellen came in. Bree's bikes were still here and they each needed one so they drove 3 1/2 hours to get them. And to eat lunch with us. It was a nice day. As I sat down at the computer tonight, I saw the same thing I do every time I sit here very long... these three spoiled babies. So, I took their picture.
I am not really one of those serious dog lovers. Really, I am not. I have never had a dog in the house till now. I wanted a dog a few years ago and found Elliott advertised from his home in OK. Casey met the owner and brought him home for me one Thanksgiving. He was suppose to be my dog. But, he loved Brian the most from the beginning. He is so attached to Brian. Then, I agreed to take the second Maltese, Georgie, the smallest yet one year older dog. He came to us with some serious issues. He had not been cuddled much and spent lots of time in his crate. When he first came, he licked his crate continually. He could not handle it if anyone touched his crate. It was his whole life. He has opened up and now he really loves me. He isn't sweet in anyone's eyes except mine because he yaps at them. My sister found the black mut/chihuahua on the highway and was unable to locate the owner. She brought her to Bree and she immediately loved Bree. Bree was in the office working for Brian when Kim brought the dog by and Bree took walked down to her apartment with her, opened the door, and Gypsy ran in and immediately up to the very top of the back of the couch. So, we knew she knew her way around the house and was probably used to being in charge. When Bree moved to the city and her schedule was such that she is never home, that would be miserable for Gypsy. So, of course, she is here now. And there isn't a sweeter dog anywhere. She is a perfect, loving companion. And she gets along well with Elliott. But, she does shed and that means I am cleaning the floors all day. I have a sheet on a chair and she does her resting on that sheet. I really wished I knew some elderly lady who would love a little black dog. But I don't. So there 'ya go... our three dogs.
I forgot toe tell you what I did... Bree told me that she had told Ellen that we would be so excited that they were coming! Bree told her that we love parades and that we would probably have a parade in honor of them coming to town. She, when I knew they were to be arriving , I went outside of town and stuck some American flags into the wet ground and I held up a sign that read "Welcome Ellen!" and I waved several flags also. Kim was suppose to get there to blow her siren but she was a little late.
Anyway, we did surprise Bree's guest who grew up in Chicago and enjoyed coming to Haskell.

Baby Blue

2009-09-23T23:46:00.002-05:00

The other night during a lull in the heavy rain, Brian ran across the yard to turn a pump off. On the way back, he saw a little parakeet sitting on one of our metal chairs. At the same time, Millie the cat, saw the little fellow. Brian scooped Millie up and brought her to the utility room. Then Brian went out and caught the wet bird. He brought it to me and we wrapped it in a cloth while he drove out to Kim's to fetch an old bird cage. We cleaned it up and put the pretty, white parakeet in the cage. There is only one house in the neighborhood with children and they say it wasn't their pet. So, he is now ours. I am trying to tame him enough to sit on my finger and eventually get out of the cage but he is pretty wild right now. It isn't easy to take a picture because he will not be still but here he is. Brian named him Baby but since every time he walks through the kitchen and says "Hi Baby," I answer him as usual, I changed it to Baby Blue. He was nearly all white with just a little blue on his belly and a smidge of black on his wings. He is growing more blue feathers and I suppose he will be mostly blue.

Our Future

2009-09-18T16:34:00.003-05:00

PLEASE read the article below written by a constitutional attorney after he read the proposed health care bill. PLEASE get a copy of it to your friends who still do not see the danger. We cannot be timid. I know people who absolutely refuse to read or learn about anything that contradicts their politician's or party's line. Some people just don't think that anyone would actually do any thing that would be this f-a-a-a-a-rrrrrr out. Well, they are trying. They really are.

Click below for the article.

Pink Saturday

2009-09-12T09:33:00.003-05:00

I am sorry this is being posted late in the morning but here is a beautiful peacock suncatcher that hangs in a window here by my computer. I found it at Charleston when visiting one of the plantations. These pretty birds lived in their gardens. The dingle-dangles are a pretty pink. Enjoy your weekend and remember to visit other pinks posts at HowSweetTheSound.

Party!!!

2009-08-16T17:16:00.003-05:00

I was thrilled to have family in my home Saturday for a luncheon to honor my Aunt LaVern for her 90th birthday. Her children brought lunch for about 40 folks and we enjoyed the delicious meal and lots of visiting. Traveling the furthest was Greg, the first son of Aunt LaVern's younger sister, from Chicago. Others came from Plainview, Dallas, Munday, Olney, Abilene, Waco, and Weinert. There are only three of the original eleven children born to Rebus B. and Emily Belle Guess living and Aunt LaVern is the oldest. She is the sixth child.
One topic of discussion was the fact that our Weinert cousins, along with all Weinert citizens, have been without water for three days. I understand it was restored by Saturday night but off again by Sunday afternoon.
A party which included friends was held at the Bever House from 2:00 till 5:00.
It was truly a red letter day for us all, visiting and loving on Aunt LaVern.

Isn't she beautiful?

Praying For Our Children

2009-08-11T16:08:00.004-05:00

I have three grown children who are doing very well though there have been some "detours." Just the changing of minds, one involving a mate whose mind changed within hours, maybe minutes after the vows were said, and one involving a career change. I am 53 years old and, selfishly I am sure, I would love to see my children have Godly mates who are crazy about them, and producing Godly babies. I have asked the Lord to send these Godly mates, more than once. Maybe I have even reached the point of coveting - wanting my situation to be different. Brian tells me that if I am dissatisfied with the way things are and wishing they would change, I am coveting something else. I believe I can go to God and make any request but I also think I am to be full of thanksgiving and trust, knowing that He wants only good things for my children. And He loves them more than I am capable. I am in the flesh and even the best I can do for them or imagine for them is in the flesh. God sees everything. He is the perfect Father. Lately, I have been praying for them according to Ephesians and Colossians. Here are just a few of the verses...
Ephesians 1:17 I pray God will give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation that will allow them to know His fullness.
1:18a I pray God will fully enlighten their understanding (so they will clearly see the truth, the reality, of every circumstance.)
1"19 I pray they will experience the exceeding greatness of His power in us who believe.
Colossians 1:9 I pray they will have all wisdom and spiritual understanding to know God's will.
1:10a I pray their lives will please God by being faithful, living expressions of Jesus.
1:10c I pray they will always increase in knowledge of and intimacy with God.
1:11a I pray that they will always be strengthened with His might and meet every circumstance in is His power.
1:11a - 12a I pray that they will be patient, long-suffering, and Joy-ful as they thank God for everything.

I am so thankful for my children and the people they are. They thrill me. I am so thankful I am not in control and God is. I am so thankful that the God who created every star and knows each one by name loved my children so much that He gave His Son to die for them, taking away all of their sins forever. I am thankful they are in His loving hands!!!

Pink Saturday?? Already?????

2009-08-07T23:49:00.003-05:00

OK, my days are mixed up. I didn't prepare for Pink Saturday and just realized it is midnight. So, I am going to show you pictures of what I've been privileged to be a part of the last part of the week - Vacation Bible School at Cornerstone. I think you can find some kind of pink in most of the pictures. The theme is Jesus, Man Of Miracles and it is set in the days of the Bible. We wear "Bible clothes" and we go to the market, gather around the well, where we can have a snack at one booth, make necklaces at one, make a picture frame out of shells at the next, or choose other activities. We are divided into families within one of the 12 tribes so we have different ages in each group. We hear Peter tell of his experiences with Jesus, like walking on the water. And we hear Salimae (name we've given the mother of James and John) who tells us what she has learned from her boys about Jesus. (And she does have very important boys, you remember:> ) And we have time together with our "family" when we talk about miracles Jesus did and about the traditions of these days. We have one more night to talk about the only book whose words will last forever and the only Saviour who is the way the truth and the life with these precious children.

Worshiping in Song

Playing a game

Some recreation with Bows and "Arrows"

Hearing Peter

Hearing Salimae

Eating dried fruits and special treats

"Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One..."

You can see pinks at HowSweetTheSound. Enjoy your weekend!

Is This Shocking?

2009-08-06T16:48:00.003-05:00

I have pasted below words from The American Center For Law and Justice concerning a "strike at the heart of the first amendment." Please read it. I heard a news journalist this morning (not on a major network) say that this is the first time in American history that this kind of threat has come from a president to the citizens.

I'm writing you with urgency. There's a very troubling development underway in Washington - a bold attack on your free speech rights directly from the Obama Administration.

A recent White House blog written by the White House Director of New Media states that ''there is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there'' both on the web and floating around in chain emails.

The blog continues, ''since we can't keep track of all of them here at the White House, we're asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.''

This is absurd! In a nutshell, the White House is asking Americans to report on their neighbors, family, and friends who disagree with the President's policy choices on health care.

This new White House reporting program strikes at the heart of the First Amendment and has no place in this important debate about health care.

Make no mistake, this outrageous attack on free speech is designed to stifle public debate about the health care issue - including growing concerns from Americans opposed to making abortion services mandatory health benefits.

Americans have the constitutional right to express their opinion and concerns about health care. This wrong move by the Obama Administration is nothing more than a blatant attempt to intimidate those who have legitimate concerns about the health care plan.

Pink Saturday

2009-07-31T20:15:00.003-05:00

I have not participated in Pink Saturday for several weeks but have been enjoying the summer. God is so good to us. There is much to be thankful for, including the color pink. And you can see plenty of pink at HowSweetTheSound where many ladies share their pink treasures. I visited a resale store recently and came away with this pretty pink tea pot. It is washed out in this picture but is actually very pink.

Here is one of my pink zinnias in a pretty red container I purchased on a half off sale in my cousin's shop.

My very good friend, Mary, visited in July, attending our 35t class reunion. We had a wonderful time. She left me this pretty pnk book marker. It is found today near Psalm 103, one of my favorite Psalms.

Have a joy-full day!

A Few Pictures...

2009-07-30T17:38:00.002-05:00

I am posting a few pictures taken in Peacock, where Brian is the Preacher. The school and businesses and most homes are gone, due partly to a tornado years ago. Our Church building stands. I like what a friend there did with some vacant lots. Also, in what is left of a house, she has placed flowers in the tiny holes in the stucco walls as well as household objects inside the house, to be seen through the windows as though someone still lives there. I thought you might enjoy seeing how she "prettied up" her old hometown.

Here are a few words from the Old Testament.
"When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God." Ecc 5:19
"Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecc 9:10a
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. " Ecc 12:13

Time

2009-07-28T11:02:00.003-05:00

"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6

"Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." 1 Timothy 2:6

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven:
He hath made everything beautiful in his time:" Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11a

I share these verses with you today for God to minister to you what He wishes concerning time. Time is always an issue for me. I can get a lot of work done in a short amount of time, usually. I am sometimes late to functions because I keep trying to get one more thing completed. Time, the passing of it, came into focus recently at a class reunion and then when cousins from Illinois visited here - the first time in 26 years. I was involved with a wedding rehearsal, orchestrated and detailed on written instructions to the minute by the coordinator. And I have spent lots of time praying for God to intervene in situations... I believe we are alive to witness the winding down of the time alloted to us humans on this earth, at least at a point relatively speaking, near the end.

I do well to remember that God does things "in due time." He isn't flustered by a need to hurry. He works in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones on the time chart He is in control of. He can slow it or speed it, according to His purposes in our lives. I want to be in tune with Him. I want to hear Him so I will cooperate - not be in rebellion - with His time for my life events.

One more verse about God and His timing... "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy." Psalm 103:8. How I Praise Him!!!!!!

Here is a recent picture of myself and my wonderful daughter. She and I were together at a wedding, rehearsal and all, this weekend. She is so much fun.

35th reunion of My High School Class

2009-07-20T14:05:00.002-05:00

What a pleasure it was to visit my friends from Munday High School. We gathered at a Hilton Garden Inn Saturday. We rented the meeting room for the day so they catered lunch and dinner. We never had to leave and spent the day reliving high school days and learning how lives are being lived today. It seemed too short a time to be together. Some stayed the night and we enjoyed breakfast together before a little more visiting and then heading back to our homes. I was blessed to be in this class. We have wonderful memories and will be lifelong friends. It took us a while to begin getting together but now that we have, we don't want to let too many years pass before reuniting. We went to a small school and our class wasn't one of the large. We hope that we'll have more classmates come enjoy the fellowship in 2012.

Busy July

2009-07-19T23:40:00.002-05:00

I hope you are enjoying your summer! We've had oppressively hot days with little rain. We are very thankful when it does rain!
Brian and I were in Charleston, SC for a week, visiting our son. We enjoyed seeing plantations and hearing about the history of the area. It is very humbling to think of the sacrifices made by the people who had the vision for this country. It was special to be in this area with rich history during the Fourth of July Celebration.

Of course, we enjoyed seeing Ryan and hearing about his life. We are so thankful for who he is. Here are a few pictures. The first two were taken at Magnolia Plantation. We saw the house, the barns and buildings necessary to manage the plantation, and the beautiful gardens. We learned about the lives of the family who lived there during those early days. Raising rice and indigo was their livelihood. Mr Drayton was the pastor of the Episcopal church, also.

This was taken during a walking tour of the walled portion of the city, before law and order were established. We were the only family that showed up for the earliest tour so we strolled with the guide at our leisure. The old church buildings have been through war, fires, and hurricanes. You can learn more about the history of the plantation and the area if you google Magnolia Plantation. There is an album of our pictures on the Picasa Web site.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend

2009-07-01T13:30:00.001-05:00

I am taking a break from blogging, face book, and all computer related activities for a few days. We have activities planned, company coming, and lots of "stuff" going on. So, have a great celebration. See 'ya later!

Independence Day Parade

2009-06-29T19:41:00.004-05:00

Sunday was a busy but special day for us. We had our regular services at FBC Peacock, lunch with friends, then the monthly service we conduct at the rest home, the Annual Fourth of July Parade, the Patriotic Prayer and Praise Service, and finally the fellowship meal and watermelon feast. Our morning message dealt with the State of the Union, featuring power point visuals of some of our country's founders and special moments as well as today's situations. It was a call to remember where we started as a nation, our foundation, as well as how far from that we've come and the need to return to the original commitment of the founders. The parade is not a display of expensively decorated floats or costumes. It's a neighborhood gathering of American citizens of the Stonewall County flavor who have decorated their lawn tractors, golf carts, pickups, bikes or any other means of transportation they choose, and a march down the street from one church to another. The lead vehicle is Brian with his loud sound system and the last is George with his loud sound system. We all enjoy the beautiful patriotic music as it bounces off the houses.

I wore an Uncle Sam costume and rode our Rhoades Car, a two seated buggy style bicycle and invited my friend, Debra, to join me. I'll post a picture of two of the day. I love patriotism because I believe that the God of the Universe was active in the founding of this country.

I got a little confused about what time it actually was and dressed for the parade a little early. Brian said I should just wear that to the rest home, so the first picture is me playing the piano at the rest home service, ready for the parade.

Party For Special Friend

2009-06-25T17:09:00.004-05:00

This morning, it was my pleasure to invite a special young friend, her mom (my forever friend), and another forever friend for a brunch in my back yard in what we call the Rabbit Deck since we once housed rabbits beneath this roof. Kristi has finished the first two years of Med school and is home for a vacation before she begins rotations in hospitals. She'll be putting all that book knowledge into practice. She also has a masters degree in epidemiology from Texas A&M. I wanted to get together for a visit before she left and let her know how proud we are of her. I tried some new recipes, brought out the blue willow, white table cloths, gossamer, twinkly lights, and cut flowers from the garden. We sprayed Listerine around the edge of the roof and we weren't bothered by the mosquitos. Have you ever heard of that approach? Well, either it was too hot for them to attend the party or the Listerine worked. Though we started at 9:00 this morning, it was still very hot, even with the fans blowing. I probably won't prepare a few of those recipes again (One involved putting sardines, mustard, and several other ingredients in the blender...) but I like to give them a try. I love these ladies and am so thankful God put them in my life! Here a few pictures and if you want more, click on the Icon for Picasa Web Albums in the left column.

June 23, 2009

2009-06-23T11:24:00.002-05:00

I am sending you these flowers today, bouquets I gathered for the tables at Cornerstone & Company.

Peacock Family Theatre

2009-06-22T09:43:00.006-05:00

Brian has been the Pastor at First Baptist Church, Peacock Texas since March of 2003. We feel honored and so blessed to be with these people. Like so many West Texas towns, there isn't much left at Peacock. Years ago, there were several churches, grocery stores, gas stations, dry good stores, a bank and school. Only a a few store fronts stand, reminding people of those days. The only Church building left is ours. It is constructed of rocks from the area, has the familiar steps up to the sanctuary, and a basement where we have Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall. And the people are generous, friendly, and love God's Word. After worship services, most linger outside, sitting on the steps or leaning on the half walls, visiting, in no hurry to part.

There aren't many people living in "Peacock proper." But there are a few families we wish we could interest in coming to our services. We have been visiting and praying they will have a desire to be a part of our fellowship. Last night, we had our first Peacock Family Theatre. We had a good turn out, though these unchurched folks didn't come this time. We watched Evan Almighty which has a good overall message of family priorities. If you haven't seen it, you might enjoy renting it. God tells Evan Baxter to build an ark. He obeys this seemingly ridiculous instruction. God made the statement to Evan, "What I do, I do because I love you." I don't know if the writer or producer realized how much truth is in the movie. It isn't a perfect sermon, but it was very good for our first Peacock Family Theater.

We enjoyed hot dogs and desserts before the movie and I forgot to take pictures. Here are a couple I took as people began coming upstairs for the movie. I hope you worshiped this weekend and enjoyed the fellowship in God's Spirit with fellow believers. We need each other so and won't these relationships become more vital in the days ahead?

Happy Saturday

2009-06-19T21:43:00.007-05:00

Recently when I told someone how long I had worked in the yard, she said, "How in the world could it take you that long? Your yard is so small." So, I am explaining how the yard thing works. We bought our home in 1980. Several years later, we bought the apartments beside our house and Brian remodeled one apartment for his insurance office. It has been very convenient because he walked out the door only a matter of yards to work every day. You can see how close it was in this picture taken in the back yard of the apartments. The back door of the house is just inside the porch. The door to his office is the one you see at the end of the brick walk.

This picture is taken from the other end of the apartments.

In between is a lot of yard that I keep. I have enjoyed it most of the time.

Here is the largest section of grass which I mow and edge.

I've posted pictures of the yard in the Picasa Web Album. (Click on the figurine at the top of the right column.)

Just now, (Fri) Brian took a break from reading and we sat outside and enjoyed the cool of the evening. We watched many of the humming birds and moths flying from flower to flower getting their nourishment. Have you ever read how remarkable God created the hummingbird? Since I live with an encyclopedia on certain topics, he recited to me how the little bird works. I was able to get one good picture of something out of many tries. They are so fast and I needed to set my camera differently to catch him. I am not really sure what this one is but probably a moth. It was amongst the hummingbirds and I was trying to get a picture of them. But this fella' moved fast like a hummingbird.

And here is a picture of my back yard behind my house. There is no grass. There is still work involved but if this was all I took care of, her question would make sense. The tin roof used to be where we kept Bree's rabbits. We removed all the cages and added the wooden floor and a fan. The large "box" inside is Brian's recreation of the Ark of the Covenant to be used at Church. And you can see Millie resting in the ground cover on the right side.

I hope you have a wonderful Saturday. I hope God blesses you through His Word as you open it. I hope your heart opens to someone who needs to hear how He has showered His love on you and wants to bless them also. I am still reading Concentric Circles of Concern and expect practice of these concepts to revive and bless my spirit of evangelism.

Donna's Birthday

2009-06-19T09:10:00.003-05:00

"A Friend loveth at all times, and a brother (sister) is born for adversity."
If you have friends like these I've been blessed with, you can amen this verse from Proverbs 17:17. We each have a child the same age. These 5 children were in the nursery together at FBC, grade school, high school, and college at Texas A&M. They are still very good friends today. And so are their moms.
We've been through so much hand in hand. Everything from split ends to a split church. And lots of wonderful events in between. We know what to appreciate and what to over look in each other.
We enjoyed breakfast and lots of visiting in celebration of Donna's ??th birthday, which was on Flag Day but was celebrated yesterday at Professional Pampering. Phyllis worked with Donna's muscles and I got in on that, too. We laughed. We talked about these children. We talked about politics, our husbands, our churches, our aches, our plans, and the present situations we need covered in prayer. And we are comforted to think that we will be together in Eternity talking and laughing and serving our Saviour.
Here are a few pictures.

Thursday June18, 2009

2009-06-18T08:24:00.002-05:00

It is a beautiful morning, a slight "cold" front moving through. Brian and I sit outside and read in the mornings. I would like to share from the book I am reading, Concentric Circles of Concern.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him" John 14:21).
If you agree with what God has told you about what He wants you to do and you obey it, Gad has said he will disclose or make himself conspicuous or real in your life. When Jesus reveals his will for your life and you obey him, he becomes conspicuous. He becomes real.
The times in my life when Jesus has been the most real have been those times when I have, out of sheer obedience, said, "Father, I do not know how, why, or what, but I will obey you."

The author, W. Oscar Thompson Jr was able to describe how Jesus has become so real to me when in similar circumstances, when all I could do was respond in the way scripture directed. Specifically, it has often been, give thanks, praise, trust. And Jesus becomes so sweet, so conspicuous, as he says. The book is very good, teaching how to let Jesus become conspicuous in our lives to those in the circles God has placed us in.

I have not been blogging and have considered letting it go. It's a time dilemma. There are so many things to be doing that I don't have time to sit and write about it. So, I think I may try to "journal" here, just to record parts of my days.

Today, I attend a birthday party for a friend. (much older, of course) I'll journal about that tomorrow. The Squash Cook Off at Rule is today at lunch time and I've never been. It would be fun to see the Rule folks. This afternoon, I may shop. Brian wants something to darken our bedroom windows so we can sleep a little later. I am more caught up than usual in the yard and the house but there is still plenty to do. We've had so much change lately that I am still recovering. It is a wonderful day.

Millie is Quite Relaxed

2009-06-10T18:17:00.004-05:00

It became dark and suddenly the bottom dropped out. We had a fast and hard rainfall for a while this afternoon. Millie, who is not allowed inside except at night and then only into the utility room, shot through the door when Brian came in. She ran into the study and jumped up into this chair. My folks had this chair when I was 15 I'm sure, not sure how long before that but a number of years. I let her stay and eventually, she covered hoer eyes and had a nice nap, not at all worried about the loud thunder and the heavy rain.

"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid..."

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T13:40:00.002-05:00

When I go to bed, I think of many things I want to see completed: several pieces of furniture need the old varnish removed and new stain, some pieces I purchased with the intention of painting roses on or learning faux techniques, weeds removed from flower beds, flowers transplanted to new locations, make new slip covers for outdoor chairs, one of our apartments needs to be updated for possibility of my parents living in and I'll help with some of that, and gathering and preparing items for a yard sale. These are just a few of the things that need my attention today. There are books I would like to read. I would like to work on one of the quilts I have started - or one of the samplers. I need to help my folks out with meals and I do spend time with them every day. My daughter moved out of one of our apartments and left her things here for the summer. She took care of most of it but I would like to rearrange some of the things she stored in her old bedroom.

When I get up, I pray, Lord use me today to do what you want done. Show me. I want to serve you. I know there are lots of elderly people in my town who would appreciate a visit. People I have known for years. I believe that it is my privilege to be a Godly wife to Mr Wonderful, so show me Lord how to do that this day.

While it is not possible to get all these projects completed today, I can make some progress on one of them. And I can "do whatever I do as unto the Lord." I just want my eyes open to act of kindness and ways I can serve others today. I know that I may not always have a great word of wisdom for the people I come into contact with. I may not have the answer they need for whatever is on their plate today. But I think I have the option to make them feel a certain way and for today, I believe that is what God wants me to be aware of in my relationships with family, friends, and anyone I come in contact with. My words and actions make people "feel" something. They can feel acceptance or they can feel like they are being judged. They can feel loved or they can feel like they are insignificant. They can feel like I appreciate them or like I believe they are incapable. I believe every thought or action between myself and the people I see today has an emotion attached to it and I am in control of the intention behind my words and actions.

So, I may not complete all the tasks and I may not get to enjoy the "crafty" projects I've planned, but I can let the Lord create in me a clean heart through His Word so that encouraging words and actions can bring life to those I am around. That is the most important project for the day - His work of creation in my heart.

Pink Saturday

2009-06-06T00:04:00.003-05:00

I was on my way to bed and realized I had not posted for Pink Saturday. I think this will be my last Pink Saturday for a time. I have many projects and my parents are needing more of my time. And I seem to need more time for reading and studying, time to be quiet and "know He is God." I will look at your posts when I have a moment though.

My first picture is a bowl that was in my grandmother's "nice" set of dishes.

I love the little roses. I Must have inherited my love of pink from several folks.

I drew and stitched this "sampler" around 30 years ago.

This little bookmark was a gift.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Visit HowSweetTheSound for more pinks!!

Pink Saturday

2009-05-29T22:18:00.002-05:00

Hello,
Here I am again posting pictures of pink. I enjoy yard work. I actually love house work most of the time. But all this work in these worldly things isn't the most important work, right?
Here is a picture of my front porch. I guess the bricks have a pinkish tint. And there is a basket of pink petunias that will soon need to be planted in the ground and pinched off so they can bloom again.

These wispy blooms are on the mimosa tree.

This a basket stand holding 4 baskets and two of them are pink bouganvilla.

I think this is called a Century Plant and it has these pink pretties at the end of the tall spikes.

Last are a couple of petunia plants.

You are invited to view more pinks by clicking HERE for HowSweetTheSound, hosted by Beverly.

35th Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-28T12:25:00.003-05:00

Today we celebrate 35 years of marriage. I love Brian more every day and that is the truth. As the days and the years pass, his commitment to the Lord and to me is more evident. Whatever I am doing, working in the yard, buying groceries, cleaning house, he is in the back of my mind. I am always looking forward to "reuniting" with him. I do not show him the way I feel like I should.

He sent me 12 beautiful red roses. I made him a card. He sings at a funeral early this afternoon so he doesn't eat lunch. We will have a nice meal tonight. We will watch a rental movie. It will be a fun evening.

If you are my age, you have realized that life is short, very short. We attended the funeral of a dear friend, Dewey, yesterday (where Brian sang also). We met him when he was about the age we are now. He lived his life helping other people. One after the other, folks stood up and told how he had bought them new tires when theirs were worn out, how he had sent them a check in the mail right when they needed it, etc. One told that years ago when he was a just a neighbor kid on the farm, he had watched Dewey plowing one day during hard times, when money was hard to come by. The next day or two, Dewey gave this boy a $20 bill and told him that he wanted him to buy a Bible with it. This man still carries that Bible.

Our THIRTY FIFTH anniversary plus the words at this funeral cause me to recommit myself to looking for ways to help other people in the days I have left on this earth. I am way too self centered, unlike Dewey.

I hope you are having a wonderful day.

Love,
Jennifer

PS My cousin, Alexia, sang I Know Who Holds Tomorrow at our wedding.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T16:38:00.000-05:00

Pink Saturday

2009-05-22T23:02:00.004-05:00

Wow, another week has passed. I can't believe that I didn't post anything this week. I have been too too busy for my own good. I am sharing a slice of my utility room for Pink Saturday. The wall paper is pink striped. I have a neat old wardrobe that houses my table cloths, some napkins, and other necessities. On it sits a white lamp with a pink shade. I found it at a home sale for $3.00. I have a framed print that has pink in it. And I have a vase that I received from JC Penny once when I agreed to fill out an application for a credit card. Then I have a picture of a heart I purchased at Hobby Lobby for $3.00. IT has a pink tint. I hope you enjoy the weekend, maybe with a cookout. We remember those who have made our freedom possible. Join Beverly at HowSweetTheSound for more pinks. I hope to be more involved with my blogging friends this next week.

Pink Saturday

2009-05-15T21:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Pink Saturday. Enjoy all the pink you want at HowSweetTheSound. This week I have been able to spend a little time embroidering on cross stitch squares that I bought over 10 years ago. I have some old pieces and purchased some new pink fabrics to piece squares to be between the embroidered ones. AND I got a new sewing machine today!!!!!!! I am excited to have a machine that does many stitches and embroiders. It isn't one of the fancy ones but it will do all I need. Of course, I will have to use it a lot to ever begin to justify the purchase but that is my hope. Here are some of the fabrics and one of the squares.

I hope you have a very prosperous week in your spirit and in your worship of the only one who is worthy of our praises!!!

New Study Nearly Completed

2009-05-14T08:08:00.005-05:00

Brian is enjoying his first week of on-line classes through Liberty University. He should have his Masters of theology finished in a year. He built 4 pieces to hold books/notebooks/paperwork. Three are bookshelves and one is a larger piece built around two oak filing cabinets. He needed one large piece where the copier can sit so he built a kind of cabinet. We bought one large piece that was probably a buffet in a dining room originally but it will contain lots of books. It is probably between 40 and 50 years old, not actually an antique, but we liked it and it fit the room. This room has served several purposes in the nearly 30 years we've lived here. First, we had lots of plants in it because ti is on the south side of the house. We've always had several tables and chairs and used it for serving meals when we had family parties, but much of the time,t he door was closed and we seldom came out here. We moved my computer out here and will enjoy being together. I'm sewing and embroidering and have a book teaching how to paint roses. I hope to have a little time most days for these hobbies. You may click HERE to see a slide show of the room in an album. Have a wonderful day and think about how much God loves you. I love you too.

Cornerstone and Company

2009-05-11T22:38:00.003-05:00

Thirty five ladies enjoyed visiting and eating lunch together at Cornerstone and Company, the women's Monday lunch ministry of Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church. Last Fall we began having lunch together every Monday, inviting all ladies in the community to come every Monday between 11:30 and 1:30 to enjoy sharing lunch and conversation. Each week, there is a salad bar and a baked potato bar. Throughout the winter, we had a hot dish, usually stew or chili and sometimes sandwiches, stack, or whatever one of the hostesses thinks sounds good. It has been a wonderful opportunity to visit old friends and make new ones.
Here are some pictures of today's gathering...

Pink Saturday

2009-05-09T00:44:00.002-05:00

Hello. I hope to work in my yard this Saturday. We're expecting a cooling down from the 103 degree we had Friday. Enjoy seeing over 150 other pink posts at HowSweetTheSound. I am posting a picture of the cups that sit out on my kitchen cabinet. They all have pink on them. The next picture is a crock planter that I use to hold pens, scissors, letter opener, and other necessaries on the shelf above my computer. (We have nearly finished the new home office and I'll take pictures this week.) Notice the pretty blue boot vases beside it. These were purchased at my friend's shop in Peacock.
Have a blessed day. Think about these verses from Job. "He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing. He binds up the water in his thick clouds, yet the clouds are not broken under it. He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness: The pillars of Heaven tremble, and are astonished at His rebuke, He stirs up the sea with His power, and by His understanding He breaks up the storm. By His Spirit He adorned the Heavens. Indeed, these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power, who can understand?"

May 7, 2009

2009-05-07T10:17:00.001-05:00

Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love that I may have joy and gladness all the rest of the day.
Psalm 90:14

Pink Saturday

2009-05-01T23:05:00.003-05:00

Again, Beverly at HowSweetTheSound invites you to see lots of pink. I stopped by our local Pink Ladies Store last Saturday. This is the organization that operates a type of GoodWill Store, raising money for our hospital. I found two pretty pink pieces. The first is a 7 inch plate for a candle. It has a shiny luster that doesn't come through on this photo. The second is a container for a plant. I may not use it for plants because it could hold anything. Next are two pictures of MORE RAIN TODAY!!!!!! Praise the Lord!! Have a blessed weekend.

IT'S RAINING!!!!!

2009-04-29T14:34:00.002-05:00

We are so thankful that it is raining. These aren't very good pictures but you can see it is at least running off the house a little.
We pray it will continue because it is so dry. Some of the farmers' wells are drying up.

A Few Blooms

2009-04-29T00:15:00.005-05:00

Here are a few blooms from the yard...

The first is a tired rose that has been whipped by the wind. Doesn't she look tired, leaning against the fence?

The marigolds were very happy.

IF YOU WANT TO SEE MORE BLOOMS, click on the garden cherub picture at the top of the right column.

From Matthew 6:

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Important "Firsts" For Our President

2009-04-27T23:28:00.002-05:00

I read this on the blog of my friend, wilma. I don't think she will mind if I pass it on to you...

Whether you are an Obama fan, or not, EVERYONE IN THE U. S. needs to know....
>
> Something happened... H.R. 1388 was passed recently, behind our backs. You may want to read about it. It wasn't mentioned on the news... just went by on the ticker tape at the bottom of the CNN screen.
>
> Obama funds $20M in tax payer dollars to immigrate Hamas Refugees to the USA. This is the news that didn't make the headlines...
>
> By executive order, President Barack Obama has ordered the expenditure of $20.3 million in "migration assistance" to the Palestinian refugees and "conflict victims" in Gaza.
>
> The "presidential determination", which allows hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with ties to Hamas to resettle in the United States, was signed on January 27 and appeared in the Federal Register on February 4.
>
> Few on Capitol Hill, or in the media, took note that the order provides a free ticket replete with housing and food allowances to individuals who have displayed their overwhelming support to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the parliamentary election of January 2006.
>
> Let's review...itemized list of some of Barack Obama's most recent actions since his inauguration:
>
> His first call to any head of state, as president, was to Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah party in the Palestinian territory.
>
> His first one-on-one television interview with any news organization was with Al Arabia television.
>
> His first executive order was to fund/facilitate abortion(s) not just here within the U. S., but within the world, using U. S. tax payer funds.
>
> He ordered Guantanamo Bay closed and all military trials of detainees halted.
>
> He ordered overseas CIA interrogation centers closed.
>
> He withdrew all charges against the masterminds behind the USS Cole and the "terror attack" on 9/11.
>
> Now we learn that he is allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refuges to move to, and live in, the US at American taxpayer expense.
>
> These important, and insightful, issues are being "lost" in the blinding bail-outs and "stimulation" packages.
>
> Doubtful? To verify this for yourself:
> www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-02-04-E9-2488

It seems to me that he is doing exactly what the enemies of our country would want him to do.
Wilma concluded that we best be praying, lots.

>

O magnify the Lord

2009-04-26T23:03:00.002-05:00

This is what matters. This is all that matters. I live so far below the realms available. They are available only because a precious price was paid. Oh, to magnify Him this day and every day. Oh, to keep my heart singing unto Him.

Pink Saturday

2009-04-24T22:47:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone. This week, while my husband was building shelves, I tried mosaic art. I had an old chest with a bad top so I topped it with broken dishes. There is a lot of pink in it so I am using it for my post. You can go to HowSweetTheSound for lots more pink. Below are pictures of the chest, the shelf and print above it, and pink items, some which you may have seen before. I cut some wind blown roses form the yard for the vases, pinks and a pretty apricot color.

Pink Saturday

2009-04-17T22:50:00.003-05:00

Can you believe we've passed the middle of April already? Beverly is hosting Pink Saturday and around 140 people post some of their pink things for your pleasure. Be sue to visit HowSweetTheSound to see the things that make them smile. I have posted pictures of some of my pink things. One reason I like the pink family is the love my mom has for the roses and mauves. The first picture of the cross with the pink center was a gift from one of my best friends. It, and the other pinks for the day, are in my kitchen. The second is a group of sweet pinks, three which were gifts: the large pink vase was patiently waiting in the Goodwill store for me to bring to my kitchen, the heart shaped glass container was from my cousin, the tea pot shaped piece was a gift from my sister-in-law for my used tea bag, and the small bell was also a gift. I really like them all. The last picture is a floor lamp with a pretty pink globe. The picture isn't very good and the energy saving bulb isn't very attractive.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Just take time to feel God's grace being showered all over you. He is so good.

Are You a Threat?

2009-04-16T09:47:00.003-05:00

If you believe abortion in wrong, if you are a disgruntled vet who was willing to sacrifice everything for your country, or if you do not support illegal immigration, our Homeland Security Department has written a statement calling you a threat to the country. I am including an article you may want to read. Click HERE
You can call the number listed to register your outrage or write the address offered in the article. I tried to call but was not given the opportunity to leave a message because the mailbox was full. I am going to write two of the addresses given. I believe that if we do not RESPOND when given the opportunity, we may look forward to real persecution. I believe our greatest response should be in prayer, calling on God to act and to show us actions we can take. We serve the Only Living God. He is the ruler. He reigns. He is King and we need not be timid to"defend" His Name and to stand on His principles.

PINK SATURDAY

2009-04-10T22:12:00.002-05:00

Saturday is here already! You know that means that hearts beat fast in the chests of all the pink freaks as they motor through their houses or look through literature or even run out to the shops in search of more pinks to share.

This chair sits in the corner of my bedroom. The sweet pink pillow is often hidden by a jacket or other out of place item. And on the Chest is a pink candle. I can't recall the name of the floral wall paper but it is a museum reproduction and I have enjoyed it.
And the last is a picture of a pink lemonade honey suckle plant on a trellis in the back yard. These are my entries for Pink Saturday, hosted by Beverly at HOWSWEETTHESOUND. ENJOY!

I hope you have a wonderful celebration of the Resurrection!

The First Ten Days - Post Retirement

2009-04-10T20:49:00.005-05:00

The word I would use to describe our first ten days after officially retiring would be Disorganized. As I have stated, we are having to clean out a room in order to move into the house - our office. There is no convenient place to push some of this stuff that I prefer not to get rid of, so I am crowding it here and there. And, when I say that we have to move an office, that is an understatement. There are shelves and shelves of books, a copy machine, fax machine, printer, 2 computers, sound system, etc. And, we are first building the new shelves. We have dealt with the West Texas wind, gusts up to 50 mph, this week. It is not possible to stain and varnish shelves in this wind so we have had to make space for that inside the room. AND, we've each had the stomach flue. AND, because of all the activities necessary to "checking out" of a company, our tax info was still on the computer in the office. We bought the thumb drive and downloaded as instructed but the office had a pc and house has Macs. So, there is a complicated procedure to reproduce the accounts. This took a couple of days to muddle through. We feel we have made little progress. But, our heads are above water and we can see the shore. We feel better this afternoon and much will be accomplished tomorrow, God willing. Here is a picture of one thing we accomplished, a new mail box. We receive mail at our house now rather than at the office so we installed a box.

We are looking forward to being back on a regular schedule. Brian will be a full time student in May, taking online courses, following a definite schedule. Even if everything isn't perfectly in place, it will still be do-able. We rejoice in the blessings of each day and I hope I don't sound too whiney. We've had very good days. Sometimes, the things that seem necessary to our "plan" were only possible in our imaginations. It makes me think of the movie, Evan Almighty. God, played by Morgan Freeman, has a belly laugh when Evan tries to explain "my" plans...

Blogs You Should See (Awards)

2009-04-10T20:19:00.003-05:00

LambOfHisFlock
Be sure to look at the Video of Dolphins Blowing Bubbles, but this blog always has very valuable information. She is not ashamed to take a stand on the dangerous issues in our culture.

WisteriaAndRoses is real, just real. If you want to hear the heart of a gardener, a mother, a friend, and an especially close friend of Jesus, read what she says about her days.

ruthlifestory is a wonderful place to see how God saved another of us. The plan of Salvation is played out very clearly. God found Ruth, as He does all of us, regardless of background or situations. He is so good.

I am passing the Uber Award along to them. I have no idea if they choose to receive awards or not. I appreciate my friend sending an award but I will probably not participate in the awards again. Though I have nothing against the idea of sharing "awards" because it is just a way to express a compliment or a thought of appreciation. Many people put lots of time into the creation of their backgrounds, their header, and every post they write. I enjoy their "art." And I am encouraged and inspired when I read about God working in the lives of my blogging sisters. I hope you will take time to visit them.

Award

2009-04-04T13:46:00.002-05:00

I have seen awards on blogs but haven't paid too much attention to them. I appreciate my friend offering an award to me but I really don't think I have been putting in enough effort to be awarded a pretty pink ribbon. I will copy and paste the information about this award here.

Here is the history of the award:
Uber {synonym of super} Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites that inspire you, make you smile and laugh, gives amazing information, a great read, have an amazing design, and any other reasons you can think of that makes them Uber amazing!
Here are the rules that go along with the award:
Copy the badge and put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.
Nominate at least 5 blogs {or more} that for you are amazing.
Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.
Come back here and comment so that your link could be added to the master list of awardees.

I will add 5 blogs that have inspired me or made me smile later this evening.

hope your weekend is great.

Pink Saturday

2009-04-04T01:23:00.002-05:00

Again, Beverly at HowSweetTheSound is hosting Pink Saturday. My life has been speeding by in fast forward and I have had little opportunity to photograph many pink lovelies this week. But the one I have is a beauty. Last week, we had our retirement party, though it had to be inside instead of in the yard. Yes, I had been working non-stop trying to get the yard in order and would you believe, it snowed a little on Friday night? Too cold for a Garden Party on Saturday so we went inside. I am going to post pictures of the party Saturday (this) afternoon. My cousins, Evelyn, brought a beautiful vase of cut flowers to the party and I am posting pictures for my Pink Saturday Post. Enjoy other Pinks at Beverly's links. You will be surprised at how many beautiful pink posts there are.

I am going to have more time to enjoy my blogging friends and to post more this week. I even bought a book about designing and decorating blogs! I will let you know how it is.

Remember to thank the Lord Jesus who created all the beautiful blooms!

Jennifer

March 31, 2009, Retirement

2009-03-31T20:39:00.003-05:00

Brian says he is retired for one month. He will then be a full time student, working on his masters degree in theology from Liberty University. Most of the work will be done on line. He will continue to pastor at First Baptist, Peacock. If you click on the picture below, you can read the article about Brian that was in the Haskell Star, which included this picture taken in his office.

Pink Saturday

2009-03-27T23:21:00.004-05:00

Beverly at HowSweetTheSound is again hosting Pink Saturday. Hope you enoy the pink posts by going there for the list of participants. Here are my pink pictures.
The first is a set of 6 pretty cups. These were a gift from my good friend. They belonged to her mother who is now in Heaven. I really like them.

These are a few of the pinks I have in my yard.

I know this isn't pink, but isn't it a pretty blue?

It is 36 degrees this evening and I have covered up some of the plants. We will probably move my husband's party for his clients to a church activity center tomorrow. I wish we could be outside but maybe we'll have another party later.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mayberry RFD?

2009-03-23T00:40:00.004-05:00

My favorite show, The Andy Griffith Show. I still enjoy watching it, though I seldom get a chance to sit down to see tv lately. They had their problems in Mayberry but Andy could usually find the solution and all would end happily ever after. It was just a show with writers who could create the dilemma and with the stroke of their pens, change hearts and minds and make it all better. What power. In our world of real hurts, real losses and tragedies, we go to the words penned by men as the Holy Spirit gave them. And there is awesome power. His Words are life.
I have had a very emotional weekend. I worshipped with friends at the wedding of one of my best friend's son. I grieved with another friend whose son and daughter-in-law lost a baby at the ninth week of pregnancy. I prayed earnestly for God to protect a dear young friend in need of divine direction. The struggles of the past days watching my mom come from really bad shape to an amazingly wonderful place as God has blessed plus all the emotions of giving up one way of life for another as my husband starts his last full week at work before retirement (or re-wirement) added to these very intense throbs of my heart and brought me "to a point". My heart felt like a dandelion when the wind puffs and a thousand pieces fly through the sky. Lots of emotion. Not grieving or sadness, deep emotion. And He ministered His Word to me. His Word speaks to the celebrating, the grieving, the concern, the future expectations. His sufficiency through all these situations is a little bit of Heaven on earth. It is His Kingdom ruling in our lives here and now.
I don't really know what I am trying to say. I guess just that I praise Him. I thank Him for His Word. I thank Him that He is sovereign, that He loves me and He loves those I love more than I can understand. And that in the events of the present He continues to prove Himself to us. And I know He will continue to do so in the future. He is so good, so good. He's so good to me.

Update on My Mom AND Purple shrub

2009-03-15T21:14:00.004-05:00

My mother had some very difficult days but God has worked on her behalf and she is so much better. She wants out of bed and is ready to work on the therapy tomorrow. After too much morphine followed by days with no pain medicine and then a few days of confusion and hallucinations, she is now herself. We are so thankful. I appreciate you praying for her. Isn't it amazing that God lets us be a part of what He does as we pray? We pray the Word. We listen and pray as we are led. We praise and express the faith He has given. And He is faithful to provide for us what we need to walk through the day we are in. We appreciate these days to show our mother how much we love and appreciate her. God is so good.

Shrub With Purple Blooms

I planted this shrub a few years ago and it has grown so slowly. This is the first year it has had these pretty purple blooms. They are opening on this long white streamer. They are pretty.

Early Pink Saturday

2009-03-12T13:31:00.002-05:00

I am staying with my mom in the hospital much of this week so I am posting early. This is the easiest thing I can do, also.
During my moments at home, I am working in the yard. the first picture is a pair of new gloves at about 8:00 this morning and the second picture is of the same gloves about 12:00, along with the toboggan I needed because it is COLD.

Be sure to visit HowSweetTheSound for more pinks.

My Mama

2009-03-11T22:22:00.006-05:00

This is a picture of my wonderful mama and myself in 1957. She is now in the hospital after a hip replacement on Monday. She stepped off a stool in Aug '07 and cracked the hip and they repaired with screws. The hip ball has died and she has been in terrible pain. She did well in surgery but since then has been awful. She was given morphine and because of low blood count, it has been too potent. They were hardly able to rouse her last evening and early today could not even swallow. Today, she was given no pain meds, trying to allow the morphine to wear off before giving a different pain medicine. She has had a very difficult day as have all of us who have tried to help her. We just bend over her bed and try to hold her, telling her that we love her, that she must try to stop moving her legs (her back is hurting so badly now and she needs relief there), that she can't turn over, that she can't keep pulling off the monitor equipment, that this pain won't last, that she should try to relax, to please try to stop crying, that we really aren't trying to hurt her, that she is doing a good job... She sometimes will ease and then we just have to laugh at the things she says under the influence of the morphine - nothing mean, just out of character for her. They finally did let her have a Tylenol and I think that helped a little. My daughter is with her tonight and is prepared for a long night. I will go again tomorrow for probably a long stay. I am praying they will be able to ease her pain tomorrow with new med and that she will have her own judgement/self back. She will work hard to recover if so. Thank you for praying for her. She couldn't have been a better mother for her two little girls.
This picture of Daddy and Mama was taken in January. 85 and 83 years old

Pink Saturday

2009-03-06T21:22:00.004-06:00

I am participating in Pink Saturday again. If you like pink and want to see lots of pink (I didn't know so many people had this passion for pink-I am not so weird after all:>), visit HowSweetTheSound Here are my pink pictures today...

Here sits a beautiful Aladdin lamp which Brian gave me on a birthday. I really like it.

I made this purse earlier. It has some pretty pink on it.

March 5, 2009

2009-03-05T22:20:00.002-06:00

When I wake in the morning, the second hand is moving around the clock. The measurement of my time, rather the measurement of the snatching away of my time, has no mercy. It is tick, tick, ticking and I immediately start making decisions. Each decision plots a certain amount of time on the graph of my day. You know how hectic the floor of the stock exchange appears? Sometimes that is a good picture of the "needs" in my life, all raising their hands bidding, trading, yelling for me to plot them onto the day's plan. And at then end of the day, some are slumped over in their wrinkled suits, loosened ties, and disheveled hair because they never succeeded. My life is being split into many areas right now. We need to have gobs of "stuff" moved out of our office and ready for Tommy to begin his new career as the agent. Moved where? Into my house. We need to have all our business "moved" from one computer to another in our house. The apartment beside the office, which I have been using for storage, needs to be cleaned out and rearranged because Tommy wants to rent it for the family to use in the evenings or when some child needs a place between activities in town, rather than driving home so often. And the most humongous challenge; because we are having a retirement party in our back yard in three weeks, there is a particularly rude and impatient group of rowdy brokers demanding their slots of time. AND, my mom is having hip replacement surgery Monday!

It is overwhelming. But I know that the most important thing I do when I wake up is to immediately plot the time on my graph for reading Words of Life, when I go to Him with all these demands on my life, when I call out to Him concerning the hurts and needs of my friends and family. And most important, when I just praise and worship Him. "Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name forever." Ps 43. How can I magnify the one who created all that exists? Isn't He already bigger than I can even conceive? I think this means that I declare His works, that I make them big by praising Him, by telling others what He has done. This is magnifying Him. It is reminding myself how great He is. I feel that is the real need in my life. Especially now when I am being pulled by all these legitimate demands for my seconds. He is sufficient. He will provide the energy and the means.

Prayers for my mom's surgery will be appreciated.

Love,
Jennifer

Pink Saturday

2009-02-27T22:22:00.005-06:00

This is the china we were given when we married. The pattern is Noritake Blythe. I don't recall the name of the glasses but they are a very pretty pink. Enjoy the other pink posts at HowSweetTheSound.

Friendly Fella'

2009-02-26T10:46:00.003-06:00

This little guy showed up in my neighbors' yard yesterday so I snapped his picture. Roadrunners are prolific in the country but not so common in town. He ran around in her yard a while before traveling on. I hope he found his way back to the pasture.
Hope you are having a nice day in this warm weather.

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-02-25T00:29:00.003-06:00

My dad grew up near this house. As you observe, it has seen better days. How fast deterioration occurs in this world of the dying. Lord, please help us to do as this scripture says for time is short, no matter how long we live. I don't want to suddenly realize I am in the same shape as this old house and that I haven't grown in the wisdom of the Creator.

Enjoy more scripture filled pictures at The160AcreWoods.

Pink Saturday

2009-02-20T16:48:00.003-06:00

Hello and I hope you have a great weekend. I hope you get to tell someone about Jesus and what He has done for them today.
Here is my Pink Saturday post and you can see more pink at the Pink Saturday Icon below. This is a beautiful covered dish given to me last Christmas by my sweet sister. She knows I like pink dishes and found this one at an antique near by store. I really like it and will use it as a butter dish though I am not sure that is its original intent. I can't think what else it would be. Isn't it lovely?

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-02-17T23:25:00.002-06:00

No explanation needed for these words. I took the picture a couple of years ago early one spring morning.
Enjoy more pictures with scripture at the 160acrewoods where Amydeanne hosts Word Filled Wednesday.

February 15,2009

2009-02-15T21:14:00.007-06:00

I saw a copy of this magazine at LambofHisFlock and wanted to share it with you.

The events of these times can nearly overwhelm. I want to be as overwhelmed with the reality of God's plan in this world, for my life today. He is sovereign. "He has prepared His throne in the Heavens and His Kingdom ruleth over all!!!" Ps 103. Praise the Lord! I want to take every opportunity to express my Christian views to those who govern our country. And I want to make and take opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others.
In the side column is the opportunity for you to take a stand concerning the Freedom Of Choice Act. You can click there and read more about it.

Love,
Jennifer

Saturday Night (All this stuff is going to burn up)

2009-02-14T21:36:00.003-06:00

I found two more hearts and know there are more around. Next year...
Here is a heart rug made by my sister about 22 years ago. It has faded but is still in good shape.

I painted these paper mache boxes about 15 years ago.

I bought this at an after Christmas sale but it is hanging off this shelf all year.

This has given me more reason s to notice how fast time is passing. So many of the hearts I've shared are old but they seem new to me! Time is fleeting. And you know what??? All this stuff is going to burn up and the only things that will last are those done in faith in obedience to God. That's all.

Well, here is the last Valentine's heart of 2009. I already showed you this heart wreath with lights that I have had in the front yard this month. But this week, Brian added the middle and the words. He is so sweet!

Pink Saturday and More Hearts...

2009-02-14T08:18:00.002-06:00

Today is Pink Saturday and you can see lots of pretty pink posts at How Sweet The Sound

These are the suitcases given to me by my folks when I graduated from High School. Their color is called Watermelon, more of a fuschia. I used them just a few days after graduation for my honeymoon.

And here are some more hearts. I enjoyed searching through my house for hearts.
This one contained new ear rings.

This tiny one was a gift from a cousins when I hosted our family's Christmas party.
I bought this one at a Christmas Carousel.

I gave this to my daughter one Valentine's Day.
This was gift from my cousin when I married. She was a Sophomore in high school.

I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. I get to help prepare for the wedding shower of my dear friend's son. God has answered prayers of a Godly Mother who asked the Lord to send her son a Godly wife. Valentine is all about love. My day will be spend with friends celebrating the love of God and the love of this couple. And my evening will be spent with the wonderful husband God gave me.

Love,
Jennifer

Thursday Hearts...

2009-02-12T14:20:00.005-06:00

My mother made this crocheted heart 10 years ago. I have several and I hang them on furniture knobs. When I see them, I remember how she loved to craft.

This heart dish sits on a shelf in my daughter's room.

I plan to use these dishes to make some treats for my family this weekend. I'll share that picture later, if they turn out ok.

Hearts for Wednesday Post...

2009-02-11T21:49:00.004-06:00

These we won through bidding at a Silent Auction raising money for abused women. The set included these three hearts and three stars.

This little box with lid was purchased at a thrift shop.

I made this chain of hearts and dolls about 20 years ago. It is certainly "country decorating." I enjoyed hand stitching anything when my hand worked better.

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-02-10T23:23:00.006-06:00

My husband's Father was a preacher. He was born in Minnesota and married a girl from Iowa. Each had more than one masters degree including Bible. They came to Texas and taught college Bible and pastored churches. Now, Brian is pastoring (bi-vocational) a small church near one of the churches they had served 45 years ago. An elderly lady came to one of our services and brought the Bible stand in the picture above, giving it to Brian. She remembered his mother and dad and Brian as a baby. She said that his dad had made Bible stands for the deacons in their church and she wanted Brian to have the one that had belonged to her husband.
It was "strange" that his folks ended up living in Texas and "strange" that Brian is now ministering to people in the same area where his dad ministered so long ago. In the picture is Brian's dad's Bible on the stand. I know it would bless PaPa that Brian is a Pastor and he would agree with Proverbs 10:1, "A wise son maketh a glad Father."

Enjoy other posts - at >Word Filled Wednesday.. Click on the List of participants there.

Heart Week

2009-02-10T22:02:00.002-06:00

Here are a few more hearts that sit or hang in my home. Hope your Valentine's Week has been a very happy one so far...

Pay It Forward...

2009-02-09T22:38:00.002-06:00

I saw this game at Laurie's blog at Minehearstpeaks
and responded. I think I was one of the three but haven't heard yet. Anyway, the rules are below. I would love to send you a hand-made gift so be one of the first three to respond...

Here are the rules as posted on her blog:

1. The first 3 bloggers to leave a comment letting me know they want to participate, will receive a hand-made gift from me.

2. Those 3 bloggers promise to post this challenge on their blog (meaning they too will ‘pay-it-forward’, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers that leave a comment on their blog!!)

The gift can be any price range--though I'm thinking that keeping it small will be sufficient--and you have 365 days to make/ship your gift!! I will get you your gift way before a year from now! I have no clue right now what I will make but it still will not take a year to get it to you!

If you want to participate, just leave a comment telling me so and then repost this on your blog so that you can pay it forward to 3 others, and so on, and so on, and so on.......You can still leave a comment on what you think about this even if you don't want to participate!!

Around The House...

2009-02-09T21:45:00.003-06:00

Here are some scenes around my house today. First is the poinsettia that is still looking pretty nice.

Today, this lovely daffodil opened herself to the world in front of Brian's office...

And, here are a few of the hearts I enjoy. The first is just here during Valentines and the next are here all the time. I will share more hearts this week.

I just recalled that I did pour some water on the bowl that time it sat on the wood burning stove. Oh yea...

Pink Saturday

2009-02-06T19:36:00.005-06:00

Hello. Here is a picture of my daughter's bedroom including a quilt made by my mother a few years ago. She has macular degeneration and can sew no longer but she was a very good seamstress. My parents were married 13 years before they had me and three years later, my sister. We were "very wanted" little girls. My mother made us matching outfits for years and we felt privileged to have homemade clothes. She enjoyed all sewing crafts. You can click on the bedroom picture below and go to an album. Click on "Slideshow" and there are a few more pictures. Included are pictures of this quilt, some chair pads she crocheted, and a small embroidered pin cushion/decoration. Right before she became legally blind, she was making lots of these little pillows/pincushions for everyone at church and friends. They were easy because they were so small. Enjoy your Saturday.
Find the list for other Pink Posts HERE

I've Been Tagged

2009-02-05T22:26:00.003-06:00

Ms Daisy at The Daisy Chain tagged me to answer 4 questions. You can see by clicking HERE.

I wish I had more exciting answers and I am sure I'll think of them later.

Psalm 133:1

2009-02-04T00:12:00.010-06:00

Word Filled Wednesday (Click HERE) gives the opportunity to post a picture and a Bible verse. I took this picture at my sister's house a few years ago and thought it was kind of sweet. I might try to create some greeting cards and this would be one of them. I sold some cards earlier and have talked to a few people who create cards. There is always so much involved outside the realm of fun. The only reason to put in all that effort would be the conviction that it would be a blessing to folks. We'll see. For now, I enjoy taking pictures when I can.

Gathering At The Well

2009-02-02T09:08:00.005-06:00

I am participating today in a discussion of Titus 2:2-5 that you can attend by clicking HERE. We are asked to read this scripture and discuss how we see it playing out in our lives, what we se as our areas of strength and weakness, and the goal we would set in relation to this scripture. I must be very, very short because I am on my to appointment.

First, I have to decide if I am one of the aged women or the younger. (tee hee) I know I am considered aged by many but still have many older ladies from whom I can learn, so it's both. There is so much in each short phrase: behavior that becomes holiness, not false accuser, not given to much wine, teacher of good things, teach young women to be responsible and to love their husband and children, to have self control, be a keeper at home, and to be good, obedient to their husband - that the word of God be not blasphemed. The love we have for God, because He first loved us, must compel us to submit ourselves to these instructions. It is our choice for this very day to do so. Spirit, enable me.

I do not look at my own strengths or weaknesses because in me dwells no good thing. I am totally bankrupt. My righteousness is as filthy rags. If there had been any strength found in me, Christ's death would have been in vain. I believe my eyes are to be only on Jesus. If I did consider myself to have a "strength", that would probably be the area I would mess up the most.

A "goal" would be to bow my knee to the Creator of the universe, agreeing with Him in all things, asking Him to fill me with His Spirit who will enable me to live by the Word, these words from Titus.

I love you all and will not be in such a rush next time.

.

2009-02-01T21:24:00.002-06:00

I ate correctly this weekend till Girl Scout cookies were delivered during the Superbowl game when I was already in a nervous rigger, hollaring for Warner. I ate a few (not all that are missing) of these but the rest will go to the freezer.

I had a wonder-full weekend. We are so blessed to be able to be sleeping in warm, comfortable homes where we have enough food to eat, can drive in a heated vehicle to a nice building where we are free to worship and read scripture. Do we realize what a low percentage of people who have ever lived fit into that category? We are blessed.

Spiritual Sunday

2009-02-01T00:18:00.002-06:00

I am participating this week in something called Spiritual Sunday which you can reach by clicking HERE. My heart is filled with good stuff I would love to be able to share with you but at this minute feel unable to do. I guess I am just tired and feel unable to organize my thoughts... I had a wonderful evening at Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church. I am sure I am partial to hearing my own husband speak, and he did tonight, but I know that the words he brought were not his but from the Lord. The theme for the Bible Conference was Stand Firm in Your Faith and his night specifically was The Battle Is The Lord's. I cannot begin to write all the scripture or examples he used. You are well aware of the times we are in. If we are not standing firm on the truth, we can be swept away in defeat momentarily. When Jairus heard the news that his only child had died, Jesus words were, "Fear not, only believe." (Luke 8:50) Read 2 Chronicles 20 about what Jehoshaphat did when he feared because of the great multitude that had come against the people. He proclaimed before them that God ruled! Things looked bad. They did fear. But, they gathered themselves, sought the Lord, and proclaimed the truth of God's power and authority. He is in control. He does love us. As David told Goliath, the battle is the Lord's. Our role is to proclaim truth, to fear not but only believe. Brian said we must choose from now on, to" interpret my life experiences by the Word of God, not to interpret the Word of God by my life experiences." What is the answer when we go through one of life's struggles? I must also gather myself, seek the Lord, know His Word is true- He loves me and He is in control and then proclaim it with every ounce of strength and breath I have. I know what it is like to sorrow so deeply that you physically hurt all over... you have to tell yourself to take the next breath. If you have ever watched your child suffer, you understand. I can concur that offering a sacrifice of praise, loudly proclaiming the truth of God's Word even if you are alone in your own bedroom, "prepares the way that I may show you the salvation of God." Ps 50:23. "Your praise shall continually be on my lips." Ps. "...for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear..." Hebrews 15: 5-6
God loves me. God is in control. Praise, praise, praise Him!

Pink Saturday

2009-01-30T22:42:00.005-06:00

I am participating in Pink Saturday, hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound. My mother's favorite color has always been rose. She has macular degeneration and sadly is now legally blind, unable to enjoy her favorite hobbies. Next week, I will show a pretty quilt she pieced and quilted, pink, of course. This week, I will share this pretty pitcher I purchased at my cousin's shop. On the bottom is inscribed USA, Camark, 1398. I have a small collection of pitchers and this is one of my favorites.
Enjoy the other pink by visiting Beverly's Pink Saturday.

January 30, 2009

2009-01-30T17:55:00.002-06:00

I am learning a little about creating blog pages so I'll be changing often through February. I told Brian this one looks like a saloon. Not really my style. Bree heard my comment and wanted to know who Miss Kitty was?
I am sneezing, hoping it's allergies and not a cold, and my treatment is food so I am not doing well on my plan but I think it will be fine by Monday. I always "ease" into this new eating routine. Right now, my head is throbbing and I know ice cream would help. A local church, Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church is having a Bible conference and I really don't want to miss. I might sneak into the back after it starts tonight and leave just before it is over. Tomorrow night my husband speaks and there is a concert by Shiloh, a wonderful Gospel group from Dallas. I plan to be fine by then. Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Encouraged and Equipped

2009-01-28T21:53:00.008-06:00

I love to read what men of God have said about the battle we find ourselves in as Christians as well as citizens of America. Some of us are slow to realize that aspects of today's America would no longer line up with the intentions of the founding fathers. Benjamin Franklin said the Constitution was a result of Divine intervention. George Washington said the constitution was a miracle. History is literally being rewritten and distorted to lead people to believe the Constitution is a secular document and that these men did not recognize the authority of the Divine Creator and their responsibility to Him.
I am so thankful for those who are standing for truth. I am going to include some links in the side column for places we can go for encouragement as well as education on how to make a difference. Besides loving people and praying, of course.
I am thankful for the Christians I have met blogging. I have been encouraged visiting with you, some far from Texas, who are like-hearted. God is so good. And He "has prepared His throne in the Heavens and His kingdom ruleth over all." PS 103.
We are blessed to belong to Him and have freedom to learn what the Word teaches on the issues of the day and then lovingly stand.
Love,
Jennifer

Burr!

2009-01-27T18:55:00.004-06:00

Haskell felt temperatures in the teens and twenties today. School and many other activities were cancelled throughout the Big Country. I drove slowly to the grocery store and post office before lunch. Later I took my folks some soup and the sleet tapped loudly on my car.
I enjoyed most of the day in my home and spent too much time on the computer trying to familiarize myself with creating google pages. The problem is that this cozy atmosphere encourages the appetite to rare back and whinney. And mine has. I didn't cave in totally but I have not done as well as yesterday. We expect more freezing moisture tomorrow but I will be at work, away from the temptation.
I was blessed again as I read of Joseph this morning.
I am sure friends from colder areas have much prettier pictures of ice but here are a few of Haskell's ice sicles.